Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Introduction

This Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce is a comforting and flavorful one-pot meal that combines tender ground beef, creamy tomato sauce, and delicate orzo pasta. It’s perfect for a weeknight dinner when you want something hearty yet easy to prepare.

Ingredients

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3-4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy or whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• 2 cups packed fresh baby spinach
• Salt and pepper, to taste

Instructions

1. Step 1: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with a spoon. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring for 5-6 minutes.
2. Step 2: Add the chopped onion and stir to break the beef into small pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes. If there is excess fat, spoon some out; otherwise, leave it in the pot.
3. Step 3: Stir in the minced garlic, red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and orzo pasta. Cook for about one minute to toast the orzo slightly.
4. Step 4: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Once the mixture begins to bubble, reduce the heat to medium or medium-low. Cook uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent the orzo from sticking to the bottom.
5. Step 5: Remove the pot from heat. Stir in the grated parmesan cheese and fresh spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until the sauce thickens to your liking. Season with salt and pepper, then serve immediately.

Tips & Variations

• For extra flavor, sauté the onion and garlic in a little olive oil before adding the ground beef.
• Swap the spinach for kale or arugula if preferred.
• Use half-and-half instead of heavy cream for a lighter sauce.
• If you like more heat, add a pinch more crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce.

Storage

Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, adding a splash of broth or cream if the sauce thickens too much.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use a different type of pasta instead of orzo?

Yes, small pasta shapes like acini di pepe or small shells work well, but cooking times may vary slightly.

Can I prepare this dish in advance?

Absolutely. You can cook it fully and reheat it when ready to serve. The sauce may thicken upon standing; just stir in a little broth or cream while reheating.

Ground Beef Orzo with Tomato Cream Sauce Recipe

Print Recipe

★★★★★

4.6 from 145 reviews

A hearty and creamy ground beef and orzo pasta dish simmered in a rich tomato cream sauce, flavored with Italian seasonings, garlic, and spinach. Perfect as a comforting one-pot meal.

• Author: Amy
• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 20 minutes
• Total Time: 30 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x
• Category: Main Course
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: American-Italian

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Meat and Vegetables

• 1 pound lean ground beef
• 1/2 medium onion, chopped
• 3–4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 cups (packed) fresh baby spinach

Dry Ingredients & Spices

• 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1/2 teaspoon Italian seasoning
• 1 cup uncooked orzo pasta
• 1/2 cup freshly grated parmesan cheese
• Salt & pepper to taste

Liquids and Sauces

• 1 (14 ounce) can tomato sauce
• 3/4 cup beef broth
• 1 cup heavy/whipping cream
• 1 teaspoon Worcestershire sauce

Instructions

1. Brown the beef: Add the ground beef to a soup pot or Dutch oven and break it up slightly with a spoon. Cook over medium-high heat without stirring for 5-6 minutes to allow the beef to brown.
2. Add onion and continue cooking: Stir in the chopped onion and break the beef into smaller pieces. Cook for another 5 minutes, then spoon out excess fat if necessary.
3. Add aromatics and orzo: Stir in minced garlic, crushed red pepper flakes, Italian seasoning, and uncooked orzo pasta. Cook for about 1 minute to toast the orzo slightly.
4. Add liquids and simmer: Pour in the tomato sauce, beef broth, heavy cream, and Worcestershire sauce. Bring the mixture to a gentle bubble, then reduce heat to medium or medium-low. Simmer uncovered for 10 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking, until the orzo is tender and the sauce thickens slightly.
5. Finish with cheese and spinach: Remove from heat, stir in freshly grated parmesan cheese and fresh baby spinach. Cover the pot and let it sit for 3-5 minutes until the spinach wilts and the sauce thickens to your liking. Season with salt and pepper to taste and serve immediately.

Notes

• Use lean ground beef to reduce excess fat, but if you use a fattier beef, drain some of the fat after browning.
• Stir frequently during simmering to prevent the orzo from sticking and burning at the bottom of the pot.
• Adjust the heat to maintain a gentle simmer rather than a rapid boil to ensure the pasta cooks evenly and sauce consistency is maintained.
• The dish is best served immediately to enjoy the creamy texture.
• For a spicier kick, increase the crushed red pepper flakes as desired.

Keywords: ground beef orzo, tomato cream sauce, quick one-pot pasta, creamy beef pasta, Italian comfort food